GradingAug 09, 2023
IGI Names New Director of Operations, Business DevelopmentBrought to you by
Did You Know? The Vital Role of IGI: The International Gemological Institute
In a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose is truly invaluable.
Brought To You By The International Gemological Institute (IGI)
Over the past 10 years the diamond and jewelry industry has evolved at a dizzying pace. During that time IGI has played a pivotal role in diamond authentication, reporting, education, and advocacy for both professionals and consumers. Today, more than ever, it’s critical to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats present in our industry. To that end IGI has proactively launched initiatives to serve every sector from mine to market. This article explores IGI's purpose, the broader role of grading laboratories in the jewelry industry, and how IGI is elevating this sparkling sector.
Role #1. Authentication First: A Shield for Luxury Brands and Consumers
Did you know that nearly all the world’s luxury brands have relied on IGI for decades, entrusting the institute with the screening of millions of carats of melee, to ensure the pieces they sell contain no mixed goods? In an industry where trust is paramount, IGI's protection of our most celebrated brands is invaluable. The shield of protection IGI provides is also available to every retailer, as well as consumers buying on the secondary market, offering a level of security that is indispensable in the world of high-value jewelry. There is no substitute for trust and certainty. From the most prestigious boutiques on Fifth Avenue to consumers in Middle America, IGI’s commitment to accuracy and transparency is a linchpin that elevates the jewelry industry as a whole.
Role #2. Bulletproof Reporting: Transparency and Assurance
One of IGI's primary services is unbiased reporting. This begins with affordable screening of loose melee - sorted, separated, and sealed by category. It continues with a variety of loose diamond and gemstone reports. However, in today’s diverse market the most useful service IGI offers may be grading reports for finished jewelry. In this age of mixing natural and lab grown stones, along with color in creative pieces, a one-page IGI jewelry report detailing every aspect of the piece is a no-brainer. Designers and retailers even co-brand with IGI, placing their logo on the document, and can request an appraised replacement value for insurance purposes. Whether describing standard sapphires or exotic materials from bixbite to zoisite, a single ironclad document from IGI raises consumer confidence when buying jewelry and elevates trust in our industry. Furthermore, IGI’s appraisals are accepted by all major insurance companies, providing peace of mind that a consumer’s precious possessions are adequately insured. The unique possibility of co-branding with IGI enhances the credibility and value of the appraisal process, making it a win-win for all stakeholders.
Role #3. Education and Awareness: Stay informed!
In our rapidly changing sector, getting the latest information is essential. IGI is at the forefront of education and awareness campaigns to keep professionals up to date on the newest developments and educate consumers on the importance of authenticity and verification. If you are not subscribed to IGI’s GemNews newsletter and the IGI GemBlog, you can sign up for weekly information to your inbox that will keep you up to speed. The Institute is constantly disseminating both basic knowledge and the latest breaking news over those channels, social media, press releases, webinars, seminars, and online and in-person courses worldwide. By providing a platform for learning and discussion, IGI empowers industry professionals to make informed decisions. And by streaming knowledge and promoting transparency, IGI contributes to the growth of a more informed and trusting consumer base.
Role #4. Industry Advocacy: Supporting all compass points.
In addition to unbiased independent reporting, IGI has stood for nearly a half-century as a staunch advocate for all stakeholders in the jewelry industry. Whether you are operating a small store in a strip mall, a luxury boutique on Fifth Avenue, a family-owned business or an online sales platform IGI advocates for your proposition and your place in our industry. From the first roots in Antwerp’s famed diamond district in 1975, to a seat on the World Diamond Council and 30 IGI locations operating around the world today, IGI champions the cause of all entities who responsibly sell gemstones and jewelry. As the first institute to hold ISO accreditation in the grading of both natural and lab grown diamonds, the Institute's commitment to authenticity, transparency, and education benefits all sellers in our industry and their specific sales propositions.
Conclusion
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) plays a pivotal role in the jewelry industry by upholding the values of authenticity, transparent reporting, education, and support. As the guardian of trust, IGI ensures that luxury brands, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers can navigate the jewelry market with confidence. With comprehensive reporting, commitment to education, and advocacy for all stakeholders, IGI is an industry cornerstone, elevating fellow professionals to new heights of credibility and integrity.
In a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose and contributions are truly invaluable.
More on Grading
The Latest
Lab-GrownDec 01, 2023
Lightbox Teams Up With Brand Founded by Former Tiffany ExecThe lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.
FinancialsDec 01, 2023
Movado Lowers Guidance Again After Q3 Sales DipThe company said it is facing a “challenging retail environment” but is prepared for the holiday season.
CollectionsDec 01, 2023
Piece of the Week: Muzo’s Emerald and Argyle Pink Diamond NecklaceIt’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.
Brought to you by
If It’s Custom, Make It PlatinumWith holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
This Pink Diamond Reigned Supreme in Hong KongThe 15.48-carat fancy intense “Pink Supreme” topped Christie’s fall jewelry auction in Asia, while a Patek Philippe led the watch sale.
Weekly QuizNov 30, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
MajorsNov 30, 2023
Claire’s Hires Former Bath & Body Works Exec as CFO, COOChris Cramer, who also spent time at Gen Z intimates brand Parade, will take on the dual role.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 133-Carat Yellow DiamondThe stone headlining the upcoming sale could fetch up to $5 million.
Brought to you by
Did You Know? The Vital Role of IGI: The International Gemological InstituteIn a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose is truly invaluable.
IndependentsNov 30, 2023
Frank Adams Rolls Out Kwiat’s ‘Mine to Shine’ ProgramThe retail offering lets customers track their diamond’s journey.
SourcingNov 29, 2023
Largest New Diamond Mine of the Decade Coming Online in Angola The Luele mine is expected to eventually make the country the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
SurveysNov 29, 2023
Holiday Shoppers Broke a Record This Weekend, Says NRFFrom Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.
MajorsNov 29, 2023
Cast Debuts at Nordstrom, Closes on More VC FundingThe growing company also plans to open more of its own boutiques.
EditorsNov 29, 2023
Warren Buffett on Success, Mistakes and Betting on AmericaThe best quotes from the Oracle of Omaha and his right-hand man Charlie Munger from the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Maine Jeweler to Relocate After 76 YearsJ. Dostie Jewelers will move from Lewiston to Yarmouth this spring.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Fink’s Jewelers Opens 10th StoreIt’s the company’s second location in Tennessee.
AuctionsNov 28, 2023
Mary Tyler Moore’s Jewelry Is Up For Auction You can have this jewelry, why don’t you take it?
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2023
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Is Celebrating 60 YearsNext year’s milestone show will be full of educational programming and collaborations.
EditorsNov 27, 2023
10 Tips for Selling Diamonds This Holiday SeasonSales experts and a diamantaire share their best advice on how to send customers home with diamond jewelry.
CollectionsNov 27, 2023
See the New ‘Platinum Born’ JewelryThe brand has released five new collections.
IndependentsNov 27, 2023
Frank Adams Jewelers Named ‘Family Business of the Year’The Albany Business Review recently honored the 100-year-old company.
CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the RoadThere have been eight attacks in the last month, spanning from a jewelry store parking lot in Rhode Island to highways in California.
TrendsNov 22, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: November GlowThese 15 pieces of jewelry celebrate November babies and the hues of citrine and topaz that reflect the colors of the season.
SourcingNov 22, 2023
Columbia Gem House Raises $12K for WildlifeThe money will help a nonprofit rehabilitate sea turtles.
MajorsNov 22, 2023
Facet Barcelona Opens New Factory in SpainThe jewelry manufacturer said it can now better serve the North American market.
TechnologyNov 21, 2023
See David Yurman’s New High-Tech Holiday Campaign The jewelry brand takes viewers through a virtual winter wonderland set in New York City.
Events & AwardsNov 21, 2023
Here Are the Winners of BIJC’s Inaugural ‘Rock the Jewels’ AwardsThe organization recognized outstanding industry players at its celebratory event.
SourcingNov 21, 2023
De Beers’ Rough Diamond Sales Sink to $80M India’s voluntary moratorium on rough diamond imports coupled with a stunted recovery in China continue to impact the miner.
